Youth is often spoken of as the age of promise. Its bright, expectant attitude is a constant delight. In Christian Science the expectancy of good is desirable and important, but it is not confined to any age. It is a quality of thought that is always available if one will but claim it.

Because evil influences seem to be lurking on every hand, some are fearful for the young people of today. However, the comforting fact is revealed in Christian Science that the only power is the power of God. This protective power is available to all through individual right thinking. It is the truth that makes free, uncovering and destroying error, and establishing the kingdom of heaven here and now. For many generations Christians have been thinking of God, good, and for many years Christian Science has been teaching the Science of Mind, God, thus making good thoughts direct and effective. As a result, this age enjoys the protection that accompanies the fuller understanding of Truth's presence and power. Whittier expresses the beautiful thought that

Today is indeed a glad time when we remember that we are privileged to reap the benefit of these many years of work and prayer. Habitually to expect good, and only good, is an expression of confidence in God's love and care. This, however, does not mean that the present should be disregarded because at some future time, if one lives and works conscientiously, good may be forthcoming. Such a heaven would always be, as it were, around the corner. Jesus made it very plain that heaven is always present. As he expressed it, "The kingdom of God is at hand." It is possible to be in the promised land—heaven—while one is journeying toward still higher views of peace, progress, and plenty. One can abide in this consciousness and at the same time be experienceing a continuing discernment of good, which might be typified as a journey. In other words, in the spiritually mental realm there is a constant unfoldment of the beauty and magnitude of God's love.

Our young people, in company with all sincere seekers for Truth, are starting on a journey. They have an eager conviction that they are traveling toward a land of accomplishment and recognition, of purpose and satisfaction. While it is true that harmony is the heritage of all of God's ideas, it is also true that we must follow humbly and obediently in the path that Jesus indicated. We cannot reap a harvest that has not been individually sown and cultivated. In Proverbs we read, "Those that seek me early shall find me."

Quite early in this journey many helpful rules can be established. The practice of denying any evidence of error with simple statements of truth is of inestimable value. Also, the habit of prayerfully taking all problems, all doubts and disappointments, to God keeps the traveler in the right path. Christ Jesus stressed the importance of obedience. To be obedient because obedience is right—not because it will please this or that person—is to establish the practice of self-discipline and train oneself to do right under any circumstance. The good influence or thought has power; it produces good results. The evil influence or thought need not be feared, for it should be understood as powerless. Having no power, it can produce nothing. If given no support, it falls of its own weight.

Youth in general naturally enjoys a large measure of happiness. It is important to be very alert to keep this heritage intact. This is accomplished by guarding one's own thought and living close to God. The enemy is not merely from without, but also from within. Discontent follows through allowing the thought to dwell on what one has not, or thinks he has not, instead of holding it to the appreciation and goodness of all that he has as the child of God. Mortal mind would have it appear logical to place one's unhappiness at the door of something or somebody else. When it is explained that sometimes unhappiness is ingratitude, it is placed directly at one's own door, and shows that there is definite work for us to do. The truth disarms the argument that a problem is outside the realm of one's own consciousness, uncovers evil, and stimulates thought along progressive avenues. Restlessness may be a claim of lack—lack of interest or companionship. Any false belief of lack is met by giving. Children need to learn the blessedness of giving generously, sharing their pleasure and joy with others.

Children are sometimes prone to depend too much on being helped by their elders, and do not realize that the only way one truly learns is by training oneself to think rightly. Turning habitually to God for guidance and surrendering to His will makes available the one unfailing intelligence. No problem is too small to take to God in prayer; and even in the little matters that might seem to another insignificant, one can trust in His love and care.

There is an old adage that you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink. It is possible to lead those we love to the water of Life, but they must drink of it for themselves. The help that children most need is not so much that of having something done for them, as of being taught to look to God for incentive and inspiration. Their need is for an eager and sincere interest in the truth; and then the individual effort will go on naturally. Knowing, and helping children to know, that good is always interesting, that it brings a broad vision and true satisfaction—this is a means of overshadowing distractions and encouraging right activity and happiness. All wisdom is of God, and to submit to His guidance is the acme of wisdom. Christ Jesus, who achieved eternal honors, said, "The Son can do nothing of himself." By reason of this entire submission to the divine will he was enabled to be the Saviour of humanity.

Our children should learn very thoroughly how to protect themselves from evil. In reality, the only transmission that can possibly occur to them is that of good. Children who know this can protect themselves from the contagion of evil suggestions. Armed with this protection, even though the visible environment may not be ideal, they are secure. As they begin to realize the vast truth of a statement made by Mary Baker Eddy, "Good thoughts are an impervious armor" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 210), children can go their way rejoicing.

With the light of the revelation of Christian Science shining on our pathway, traveling should not seem slow and arduous. To the Israelites of long ago the promised land seemed far away. Fears, doubts, and disobedience accompanied their footsteps. The light of Truth did not dawn in full radiance until centuries later, when Christ Jesus became the Way-shower to men. In glowing words he presented the truth to all mankind. He spoke a clear and inspired message; and, referring to the promised land, he said, "Behold, the kingdom of God is within you."